Baltimore and Ohio Railroad begins with a cornerstone in Baltimore and an initial trip to Ellicott City in 1827. The train line crosses the Thomas Viaduct, the first large arched and curved stone bridge.
B&O Railroad begins Read More »
“Jew Bill” legislation is passed by the Maryland Assembly in 1826, giving Jewish men all the rights of citizenship equal to Christians. Thomas Kennedy of Hagerstown is the tireless sponsor.
Jewish men gain rights of citizenship Read More »
First Catholic Basilica in the US, designed by Benjamin Latrobe, opens in Baltimore City in 1823.
First Catholic Basilica in U.S. Read More »
Baltimore’s Battle monument, designed by Maximilian Godefroy, is the first stone monument and the first public war memorial in the US. In 1822 the statue of Lady Baltimore is hoisted atop the monument.
Battle Monument in Baltimore is the first public war memorial Read More »
The oldest Unitarian Church in the country, designed by Maximilian Godefroy, is opened in 1818, and is dedicated to “Unitarians” who “cherish the liberal sentiments on the subject of religion”.
Oldest Unitarian Church Read More »
Baltimore is first US city to light streets with gaslight in 1817 after Rembrandt Peale uses the innovation to light his museum galleries.
Gaslight installed on Baltimore streets Read More »
Baltimore’s Washington Monument is the first erected in 1815 and dedicated to George Washington. The second, more modest Washington Monument is built by Revolutionary War veterans on South Mountain overlooking Boonsboro in 1826.
The Washington Monuments in Maryland are first in the country Read More »
Ft. McHenry endures bombardment and saves Baltimore from being burned. The “Star Spangled Banner” is written on September 14, 1814
Chasseur, a Baltimore clipper commanded by Thomas Boyle, makes history by singlehandedly blockading the United Kingdom in 1812.
Captain Thomas Boyle aboard the privateer Chasseur proclaims the blockade of Britain Read More »
Rembrandt Peale opens the first purpose-built museum in the US in August, 1814. As a fine arts gallery, it is short-lived, becoming city hall, a school for “colored” children, city water offices and now Baltimore’s Community Museum.
Rembrandt Peale builds the first museum Read More »
We acknowledge the enduring presence of many American Indian tribes who once lived in Maryland and who now, having lost their lands, live in a diaspora. Read more.
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